Nashik, a city in Indias Maharashtra state is one of the nations most culturally significant cities. Among the most revered of Hindu sites, Nashik possesses a rich historical and legendary legacy. It is also a major tourist destination, particularly for Hindu pilgrims.
The city of Nashik includes fascinating buildings and constructions of an earlier age, such as courtyard houses, winding narrow roads, lively bazaars and public courtyards.
According to Hindu legendary tradition, Rama, the King of Ayodhya lived at Nashik during the 14 years of his exile. Here Laxman, brother of Rama is said to have cut off the nose of Shurpnakha; the name of the city is derived from this incident. Several further references to the Ramayana can be seen in Nasik, including the Sita Gumpha caves, which is considered to be the site from which Sita was abducted by the demon king Ravana.
In more recent times Nashik was the location for many incidents during Indias freedom struggle. It was also the site for Babasaheb Ambedkars major actions in his quest to eliminate the status of untouchablility.
The Pandavleni Caves in Nashik are situated in the Trivashmi hills. Thought to date from the 1st century BC, the highlights at this site are the exquisite sculptures and the outstandingly carved doorways. There are also a number of inscriptions of great historical significance. One of the inscriptions states that donations were made to the monastery by Ushadatta, the relative of Kshatrapa Nahapana. Another inscription mentions that a Greek named Indragnidatta supplied facilities to the temple.
Originally a Buddhist Hinayana site, it was later altered by Mahayanists. The caves are thought to have been a location for the accommodation of Buddhist monks, and for the delivery of sermons to the laity. Both vihara and chaitya elements are present in the cave complex.
For the discerning traveler requiring a
Nashik hotel an ideal solution would be
The Gateway Hotel Ambad Nashik. This hotel provides convenient comfortable accommodation with courteous standards of service.
